9 All the people were quarreling throughout all the tribes of Israel , saying , " The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies and saved us from the hand of the Philistines , but now he has fled out of the land from Absalom . 10 "However, Absalom , whom we anointed over us, has died in battle . Now then, why are you silent about bringing the king back ?" 11 Then King David sent to Zadok and Abiathar the priests , saying , "Speak to the elders of Judah , saying , 'Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house , since the word of all Israel has come to the king , even to his house ? 12 'You are my brothers ; you are my bone and my flesh . Why then should you be the last to bring back the king ?' 13 "Say to Amasa , 'Are you not my bone and my flesh ? May God do so to me, and more also , if you will not be commander of the army before me continually e in place of Joab .' " 14 Thus he turned the hearts of all the men of Judah as one man , so that they sent word to the king , saying, "Return , you and all your servants ." 15 The king then returned and came as far as the Jordan . And Judah came to Gilgal in order to go to meet the king , to bring the king across the Jordan .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:9-15

Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:9-15

(Read 2 Samuel 19:9-15)

God's providence, by the priests' persuasions and Amasa's interest, brought the people to resolve the recall of the king. David stirred not till he received this invitation. Our Lord Jesus will rule in those that invite him to the throne in their hearts, and not till he is invited. He first bows the heart, and makes it willing in the day of his power, then rules in the midst of his enemies, Psalm 110:2,3.